Deferred action battery



Dec. 8, 1964v H. E. LAwsoN, JR 3,160,529

DEFERRED ACTION BATTERY Filed Dec. l0, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet l FIG. 2

INVENTOR Y HERBERT E. LAWSON, Jn

ATTORNEY Dec. 8, 1964 Filed Dec. lO. 1945 s'rEEL/ H. E. I AwsoN, JR 3,160,529

DEFERRED ACTION BATTERY 2 Sheets-Shea?I 2 MAGNESIUM COATING PAPER SILVER COATING STEEL SILVER COATING STEEL MAGNESIUM COATING IN V EN TOR.

HERBERT E. LAWSON BY l ATTORNEY United States Patent O 3,169,529 DEFERRED ACTION BATTERY Herbert E. Lawson, Jr., Downers Grove, lli., assigner to the United States of America as represented by the Secretary et the Navy Filed Dec. 10, 1945, Ser. No. 634,118 6 Claims. (Cl. 13d- 90) This invention relates generally to primary batteries of the one-fluid, deferred-action type and has particular relation to batteries of this type which are used in electrically operated projectiles and which become operative by the application of the forces of inertia and set-back imparted to projectiles when they are fired from a ried gun barrel. The forces of inertia and set-back are utilized to initiate activation of the battery so that it will create electrical energy and supply the required voltage necessary for electrically detonating the projectiles.

It will be understood that in the preferred embodiment shown, the battery is designed for 4activation by the forces of set-back and spin generated by the projectile being shot from a rifled gun bore, but it will be understood that either set-back or spin may be utilized in causing activation of the battery and consequent electrical detonatiou of the explosive projectile.

An object of the present invention is to automatically convert an inactive primary battery in an unarmed projectile into an active battery in an armed projectile by instantaneously conducting electrolyte to the electrode elements of the battry. j

Another object of the invetnion is to provide a delayed action battery having a plurality of electrode cell units arranged Within the battery in such manner that they may be immediately and simultaneously contacted and activated by an electrolyte solution Without obstruction by other elements of the battery.

A further object is to provide a delayed action battery assembly having a plurality of electrode cell units which assembly is so constructed as to permit the cell units to be immediately and simultaneously contacted by an electrolyte solution dispersed by centrifugal force. j

Still another object is to provide for use in an electrically detonated projectile, a delayed actionbattery having a plurality of electrode cell units which are disposed parallel tothe longitudinal -axis of the projectile so as to permit the electrolyte to be maintained in contact with the electrodes by the action of centrifugal force caused .by spinning of the projectile during llight.

A still further object is to provide :a deferred action battery which is characterized by its positiveness in operation due to the novel arrangement of its elements.

These and other objects of the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description and accompanying drawing. l In a preferred form of the invention, the initially separated elements of the battery include an aqueous electrolyte solution containing the following components:

Percent Lithium bromide 41 Hydrobromic acid 2 Diamyl sodium -sulfosuccinate (Aerosol AY) 0.05

Water to make up to 100% ally includes pairs of plates of dissimilar metals and paper separators, or pairs of plates having exterior coatings of dissimilar metallic material. While magnesium and silver electrodes, both in the form of plates and as coatings, have been successfully employed, other suitable electrode materials may be used which are operative with the parlticular electrolyte selected for use. vFor example, the electrodes may consist of steel plates or plates of plastic material on which are coated, by electrolysis or by sputtering, the coatings of electrode material.

In embodying the battery of the present invention in a projectile, the liquid electrolyte is initially `and normally confined within a sealed, frangible ampoule which is surrounded by cell units having electrodes initially free fro-m contact with the electrolyte solution, but readily and freely accessible to the electrolyte when the ampoule is broken by the force of set-back or spin, or both.

In the specific embodiment shown, the battery is mounted in the projectile along the line of its longitudinal axis and parallel with the line of travel of the projectile; the frangible ampoule is disposed with its longitudinal axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the projectile;rthe ampoule is surrounded by parallel rectangular electrodes;

and these longitudinally extending electrodes define parallel'cells grouped about the ampoule as a center.

When the ampoule is broken, the liquid electrolyte is instantaneously diffused and uniformly distributed into contact with the electrodes for activation of the battery. By the uniform and universal distribution of the liquid electrolyte, which is of such predetermined amount that the cells Will each be filled to a level short of its brim, short circuiting which might otherwise occur due to flooding is avoided, and maximum activation eiiiciency in a minimum period of time is assured.

In the accompanying drawing one example of the physical embodiment of the invention is illustrated, but it will be understood that changes and alterations may be made in this exemplifying description Without departing from the principles of the invention. In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view taken on the line 1--1 of FIGURE 2 of a battery assembly embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view'of one of the electrode cell unit holder sections shown in FIGS. l and 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical circuit of the battery assembly shown in FIGS. l and 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail perspective view of one of the electrode cell units holder sections with the electrodes therein, said section and certain of said electrodes being partially broken away to reveal the electrode arrangement;

vand

FIG. 6 is a detail perspective View, on an enlarged scale,

showing the electrodes which form one of the cells.

The battery assembly illustrated is designed for use in an electrically `detonated bomb or projectile and is mounted therein with its longitudinal axis parallel with the longitudinal axis and the tnajectory ofthe projectile The battery assembly in which the ampoule isV confined, includes an exterior, cylindricalmetal casing 1 2 which surrounds a plastic cylinder 13, having an internal annular iiange le at itsibase. The casing 12 is sealed open end of the casing is closed by a plastic turret cover plate 16, these parts being cemented and sealed at their joints.

The turrets i8 on the exterior of the turret plate 16 provide housings for the terminals 19 of the battery wires 20 and for the terminals of Vtheaconductors (not shown) of the electrically detonated means of the projectile. Y

As best seen in FIGS. 3, and 6, within the cylinder casing I3 is mounted an electrode-holder 21, preferably made up of a number of sections 22 (FIG.v 2) which are cementedy together by a suitable bonding agentl and shown as three in number. The sections ZZ'arercomposed of non-conducting, dielectric material, such as polystyrene, and are grouped radially about' the ampoule 16. Each section 22 of the holder 2l is fashioned with a pair of inner, longitudinal, open and slots or grooves 213, shown as rectangular in cross section.. The grooves 23 serve to accommodate the electrodefcell units 24.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the

multi-cell units 24a, 24h, 24C, 24d and 24e are electricallyY l connected in series to provide a B voltage of a magnitude which is ample to energize the anodes of a plurality of .Y

edges adjacent the ampoule and in position to be directly contacted by the electrolyte solution as .will be hereinafter described. Y a

The cells of the cell units 24a, 24.5, 24e, 24d and 24e are identical in formation and arrangement, V'so that a description of one'will suce for all. A typical cell is formed by a pair ofl plates, made of Steel, plastic or other suitable material, on the opposing sides of which are coated, by electro-deposition of some other suitable meth-l od, the active electrode materials, such as magnesium and silver. The plates are, 'as shown in the drawings, of rectangular shape, thev radial dimension, or width, of each plate being such that said plate will extend from the closed end of the groove 23 to a point near the mouth of said groove. The length, or longitudinal dimension, of each side'plate is such that it will extend throughout the length of said groove 23,.' It should be understood, of course, that the plates each may be formed entirely of the active electrode material. f f

application Serial vNumber 541,955, tiled on June 24, 1944.

VWhen a projectile containing the battery of the present invention is iired from a rifled gun barrel, the ampoule 10 is subject'to the force of setback which causes it to depress the spring 393Y and strike against the pointed disk 34 thereby breaking the ampoule. Shattering of the ampoule releases the electrolyte solution throughout the lengths of the surrounding cells and the available centrifugal force of the spinning projectile is utilized uniformly and universally to distribute the liquid away Yfrom the longitudinal axis of the battery into the grooves 23 and into the cell units 24 where the electrolyte contactsl the electrodes, thereby initiating generation of electrical current. In the absence of any material obstruction to the luent electrolyte,V it is thus simultaneously thrown directly into and forcefully held in contact with all of the surrounding electrodes by centrifugal action, thereby instantaneously activating the battery, thus initiating the required detonation of the explosive projectile.

It is desired particularly to call attention to the fact that the volume of electrolyte will be so predetermined that, after activation of the battery, the amount of electrolyte in each cell unit will be such that there will be no excess which would ow between the cells Vand cause electrical short circuits. It is also desired to call attention to the Each section 22 of the holder 21, as best seen in FIG. I

3; is fashioned at its upper end V'with aninner, arcuate, transversely projecting flange 2S. The arcuate ilanges 25 form an annular ledge or rim 26 surrounding and positioning the upper end of theampoule It). The flanges 25 further serve to conne the liquid electrolyte 11 within v v the multi-cell holder 21 after the ampoule is broken. In similar fashion the bottom flange 27 serves to confine the electrolyte 1I within the multi-cell holder.V The annular rim 28 of theflange 27 is also adapted to retain and position the ampoule It) against accidental movement.

to protect the ampoule .from accidental breakage. ring 3%Y also serves to retard diffusion of after the ampoule is shattered.

As shown in the drawingr (FIG.l), the ampoule isY -mounted longitudinally in the Vcenter of* the battery in position tobe shattered by impactagainst a breaker mechanism 32 contained within the well 32a of the cylinder flange 14. The breaker mechanism 32 comprises, afre-k silient, coilspring 33 and a puncturing element 34Ywhich is axially alined with the ampouleand spaced therefrom sutticiently so that' vsetback force willfdepress the resilient lspring Y355 and cause a sh'atteringimpact between the ampoule and the puncturing element r 35i. A breaker mechanism of 'this` type is more Vfully..disclosedin copending a upon breaking of the ampoule.`

fact that the Aabove condition would prevail regardless of whether or not the electrode assemblies were contained entirely within the Vcell units. It is necessary, of course, that the electrolyte itself be contained fully within the cell units and free of the inner edges thereof to prevent said inter-cell leakage and consequent short circuits.

I claim:vr Y

l. In a deferred action battery, a casing, ,aY frangible, sealed ampoule containing electrolyte positioned on the longitudinal axis of said casing, a plurality of electrodes defining multi-cells disposed about said ampouleV and in said casing, each of the cells of said multi-cells having longitudinal edges presented towardv said ampoule and said multi-cells being directly contacted between the cells by said electrolyte upon breakage of the electrolyte containing ampoule. Y i

2. In a deferred action battery for use in an electrically detonated ordnance missile, a frangible, sealed ampoule containing electrolyteV disposed along the longitudinal axis of said missile, a `plurality of electrodes positioned about said ampoule, said electrodes having longitudinal edges presented toward said ampoule and being separated from j the electrolyter solely by the ampoule, said V'electrolyte being released for direct contact between the electrodes upon breaking of the ampoule. Y i v 3. In a deferred laction battery for use in an electrically detonated`V ordnance missile, a frangible, sealed ampoule containing electrolyte disposed along the longitudinal axis of saidV missile, a plurality of electrodes positioned about said ampoule, said electrodes having longitudinal edges presented ytoward said ampoule and being separated from theelectrolyte solely by the ampoule, said electrolyte being released for direct contact between the electrodes upon breaking of the ampoule caused by the force of setback,y Vsaid electrolyte being `dispersed and maintained in contact with the entire surface area ofthe electrodes by the application ofvcentrifugal force. -Y

, v 4. In a deferred action battery, acylindrical'casing of dielectric material provided with an axial borehole and a plurality rofV radial Vlongitudinal slots communicating.;l

with theborehole, a frangible, sealed ampoule containing electrolyte"disposed'in said'borehole, and a plurality of electrode units dening multi-cells positioned in said slots, said multi-cells beingv directly lcontacted by said electrolyte f5. In a deferred action, battery, a plurality of radial sections of dielectric material having at least one longitudinal slot, said sections being joined to define a casing of dielectric material provided with an axial borehole and a plurality of radial longitudinal slots communicating with the borehole, a frangible, sealed ampoule containing electrolyte disposed in saidborehole, and a plurality of electrode units dening multi-cells positioned in said slots, said multi-cells being directly contacted by said electrolyte upon breaking o' the ampoule.

6. In a deferred action battery, a casing, a frangible ampoule centrally disposed in the casing for containing a uid electrolyte, a resilient seat in the casing at one end thereof for supporting the ampoule, a breaker in said end of the casing and engageable by the ampoule against the action of said seat upon the application of a force of setback to the ampoule, a plurality of generally arcuate sections of dielectric material Iitted closely around the ampoule between the side Wall thereof and the inner Wall of the casing, each section having a longitudinal slot radiating from the ampoule, and a plurality of electrode units positioned in said slots, whereby upon breaking of 6 the ampoule the electrolyte therein is adapted to be distributed directly into said slots to flood the electrode units.

Reim-ences Cited by the Examiner UNETED STATES PATENTS OTHER REFERENCES Kleiderer, C.: Modern Plastics, November 1945, pages 133, 136, and 206.

JOHN H. MACK, Prmaly Examiner.

R. 'L GLASS, E. P. MCDERMOTT, JAMES L.

BREWRNK, Examiners. 

1. IN A DEFERRED ACTION BATTERY, A CASING, A FRANGIBLE SEALED AMPOULE CONTAINING ELECTROLYTE POSITIONED ON THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS OF SAID CASING, A PLURALITY OF ELECTRODES DEFINING MULTI-CELLS DISPOSED ABOUT SAID AMPOULE AND IN SAID CASING, EACH OF THE CELLS OF SID MULTI-CELLS HAVING LONGITUDINAL EDGES PRESENTED TOWARD SAID AMPOULE AND SAID MULTI-CELLS BEING DIRECTLY CONTACTED BETWEEN THE CELLS BY SAID ELECTROLYTE UPON BREAKAGE OF THE ELECTROLYTE CONTAINING AMPOULE. 